11-Day Grand Tour: Marrakech to Sahara & Back

📌 Overview

Eleven days from Marrakech and back — the most expansive southern Morocco loop available. Every highlight of the south covered at a genuinely unhurried pace: the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, Rose Valley, Sahara dunes, Ouarzazate, Telouet Kasbah, Marrakech city tour, Essaouira Atlantic coast, Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfalls and a day at leisure to explore or relax.

🗺️ Itinerary

🌅 Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Welcome to the Red City

Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy your first taste of Moroccan culture with a visit to the Jardin Majorelle. Evening at leisure to explore the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Welcome dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant.

🌅 Day 2: Marrakech City Tour

Imperial landmarks and souks

Full day exploring Marrakech’s highlights. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. Explore the labyrinth of the souks and try your hand at haggling for spices, leather goods, and traditional crafts.

🌅 Day 3: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou to Ouarzazate

High Atlas crossing and UNESCO kasbah

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village famous for its role in films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah.

🌅 Day 4: Ouarzazate to Skoura to Rose Valley

Palm groves and floral landscapes

Drive to Skoura, known for its beautiful palm groves. Visit the well-preserved Amridil Kasbah. Continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, the heart of Morocco’s rose-growing region. Explore the Rose Valley with its colorful fields. If visiting in May, you might catch the famous Rose Festival.

🌅 Day 5: Rose Valley to Dades Valley to Todra Gorge

Canyons and dramatic landscapes

Drive through scenic landscapes to the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Continue to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering rock walls up to 300m high. Enjoy a short hike through the narrowest part of the gorge.

🌅 Day 6: Todra Gorge to Merzouga & Erg Chebbi

Desert arrival and camel trek

Drive to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, embark on a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Witness the mesmerizing sunset from the top of a dune. Overnight in a luxury Bedouin camp with traditional dinner, music, and stargazing.

🌅 Day 7: Merzouga Desert Exploration

Sunrise, 4×4 adventure and Berber culture

Wake up early for sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, explore the desert by 4×4, visiting Khamlia village for traditional Gnawa music. Try sandboarding on the dunes. Visit a nomad family to learn about their way of life. Relax at the camp or take another camel ride in the afternoon.

🌅 Day 8: Merzouga to Rissani to Alnif to Ouarzazate

Historic towns and desert landscapes

After breakfast, visit Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty and home to one of Morocco’s largest souks. Continue through Alnif, known for its fossil-rich landscapes. Drive to Ouarzazate for overnight.

🌅 Day 9: Ouarzazate to Telouet Kasbah to Marrakech

Ancient kasbahs and mountain passes

Visit the Telouet Kasbah, once the seat of the powerful El Glaoui family. Drive back to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stop at scenic viewpoints for photos. Arrive in Marrakech for overnight.

🌅 Day 10: Day Trip to Essaouira

Atlantic coast and Portuguese heritage

Day trip to Essaouira, a charming coastal city with Portuguese heritage. Visit the Skala de la Ville (sea bastion), port, and medina (UNESCO World Heritage site). Enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor. Essaouira is known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent kite surfing and windsurfing.

🌅 Day 11: Marrakech at Leisure & Departure

Free time and farewell

Day at leisure in Marrakech. Options include: visiting the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, exploring more of the medina, relaxing at a hammam, or shopping for souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your departure.

✅ Includes

  • Private air-conditioned transportation throughout
  • Professional English/French/Spanish-speaking guide
  • 10 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels and luxury desert camp
  • Daily breakfast and 8 dinners
  • Camel trek in Erg Chebbi with sunset and sunrise views
  • 4×4 desert excursion in Merzouga
  • Entrance fees to all mentioned historical sites and attractions
  • Local taxes and service charges

❌ Excludes

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks (except water during meals)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Tips and gratuities (recommended: 5-10 EUR per person per day)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages

ℹ️ Trip Facts

Transport Private minibus (2-12 pax)
Accommodation 3-4 star hotels & luxury desert camp
Meals Breakfast daily, 8 dinners
Start/End Point Marrakech (airport/hotel pickup/drop-off)
Group Size 2-12 people (private groups available)
Best Time to Go March to November
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Language English, French, Spanish

❓ FAQ

What makes this 11-day tour different from the 12-day version?

The 11-day tour omits the Ouzoud Falls day trip, giving you more time at leisure in Marrakech or Essaouira. It’s perfect for those who prefer a slightly more relaxed pace.

Can I extend this tour to include Chefchaouen?

Yes! We can add 2-3 days in Chefchaouen by adjusting the route. This would typically involve adding time after returning from the desert or before the Essaouira day trip.

What is the accommodation like in the desert camp?

Our luxury desert camps feature private tents with comfortable beds, proper bedding, and private bathroom facilities. They have electricity, hot showers, and excellent traditional food.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Most of the walking is optional and at your own pace. The main walking activities are exploring the medinas (cities), short hikes in the Todra Gorge, and camel treks in the desert. We can adjust the itinerary for those with mobility concerns.

What should I pack for this comprehensive tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes for desert nights, lightweight clothing for cities, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, camera, and a small backpack for daily excursions. A power bank is also recommended.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

While not mandatory, we highly recommend travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. This is especially important for the desert portion of the tour.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

11-Day Grand Tour: Marrakech to Sahara & Back
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